On Friday, September 16, Greenbelt Alliance is celebrating PARK(ing) Day to encourage Bay Area cities to plan with people in mind. Our limited urban land should be used to create vibrant neighborhoods where people walk, bike, and hang out in fun, attractive places.
Too often, cities and towns are conditioned to build excessive parking, wasting land that could be adapted for people-friendly uses. When priced right, parking can bring revenue to a city and attract more passers-by into shops. Old Pasadena in Southern California, Columbia Heights in Washington, D.C., and downtown Redwood City are just a few shining examples of neighborhoods that have been transformed into bustling city centers.
Wonder how many ways we could use one parking spot? Just watch!
PARK(ing) Day challenges people to rethink the way streets are used. For the very first time, Greenbelt Alliance is participating in four cities throughout the Bay Area to highlight the need for smart planning of our limited urban land:
Where: 33 San Fernando Street, San Jose
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 16
Who: Greenbelt Alliance; fifteen other organizations nearby; Bike Party follows
Contact: Michele Beasley, Senior Field Representative
Where: 531 Fifth Street, Santa Rosa
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 16
Who: Greenbelt Alliance; Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition and The Share Exchange nearby
Contact: Amanda Bornstein, Field Representative
Where: 1601 Locust Street, Walnut Creek
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, Sept. 16
Who: Greenbelt Alliance; Generation Green and Save Mount Diablo nearby
Contact: Sara Barz, Communications Associate
Where: 33 Grand Avenue, Oakland
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, Sept. 16
Who: Greenbelt Alliance; Walk Oakland, Bike Oakland and others
Contact: Marla Wilson, Sustainable Development Associate
Read the full Greenbelt Alliance press release here.
